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BIG H.O.M.I.E.S. · PORTSMOUTH, VIRGINIA

SOMEONE IN
YOUR CORNER.

Free youth programs. Trusted mentors. A community that shows up for you.

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Young people and mentors together at a Big H.O.M.I.E.S. community activity

Unlocking the Hero Within Every Child.

Our Next Chapter

BIG HOMIES
RECREATION CENTER

GRAND OPENING PLANNED FOR JANUARY 2027

A New Chapter Is Almost Here!

Big Homies Inc. is preparing to open the doors to our new recreation center at 710 Lincoln Street in Portsmouth, Virginia. This new facility represents an exciting expansion of our commitment to empowering youth, strengthening families, and creating opportunities for our community. We’re expanding to two locations: Little Homies Youth Enrichment & Recreation Center will remain open and operational at Elliott Avenue alongside our new Lincoln Street center.

Explore Our New Recreation Center
Big Homies Inc. leadership and community partners at the Big Homies Recreation Center groundbreaking
Breaking ground. Building opportunities for Portsmouth.
710 Lincoln Street
Portsmouth, VA 23704

Construction completion anticipated:
November 2026

Grand opening planned: January 2027. The facility is not yet open. Current programs continue at 2605 Elliott Avenue.

After-School Enrollment Update

Full through December 2026.

Thank you for being part of our Little Homies community. Our Little Homies Youth Center after-school program is currently at full capacity through December 2026.

We anticipate our next enrollment opportunity in January 2027, subject to availability. January enrollment is not guaranteed.

Enrollment Information Join Our Waitlist

Our Mission

Every young person deserves someone who believes in them.

Big H.O.M.I.E.S. is a nonprofit youth development organization serving Portsmouth, Virginia. We bring young people together with mentorship, educational enrichment, and opportunities to discover what comes next.

Meet Big H.O.M.I.E.S.
Young people participating in a Big H.O.M.I.E.S. mentoring activity

Meet Our Founders

Alice Edwards and Eugene Swinson share one vision: meaningful opportunities for Portsmouth youth and families.

Meet Alice & Eugene

OUR MISSION

Big Homies Inc. exists to empower and mentor youth from underserved communities by providing safe spaces, life-skills development, and transformative programs that cultivate confidence, leadership, and opportunity—unlocking the hero within every child.

Our Impact. Their Future.

Real Programs. Real People. Real Impact.

These accomplishments reflect separate programs and reporting periods. They are not a combined annual total.

1,500+

Youth Served

Through our Ballin’ on the River Back-to-School Giveaway.

Reporting period: 2026

75

Youth Served Through Summer Camp

Youth enrolled in our full-day summer enrichment program.

Reporting period: Summer 2026

70

Families Weekly

Approximately 70 families receive food assistance each week, primarily through home delivery.

Reporting period: Ongoing food bank initiative · 2026

200

Thanksgiving Food Baskets & Turkeys

Distributed to families through our Thanksgiving community outreach initiative.

Reporting period: Thanksgiving 2025

45–80

Youth Served Daily

Typical daily attendance in our after-school enrichment program.

Reporting period: During the school year

92

Youth & Family Members Served

Through our Christmas Gala.

Reporting period: Christmas Gala · event total

50

Youth Served

Through our free haircut and hair-braiding initiative.

Reporting period: 2026

Stronger together with

City of PortsmouthFeeding America FoodbankWalmartRivers Casino Portsmouth

Our Programs

More ways to learn.
More room to grow.

Learning, connection, and opportunity for Portsmouth youth. Programs are free for qualifying participants. Contact our team about eligibility, schedules, and registration.

Explore Programs

After-school enrichment

At full capacity through December 2026. View enrollment information.

Tutoring

Academic support that helps young people keep moving forward.

STEM & cybersecurity

Learning opportunities in science, technology, engineering, math, and cybersecurity.

Mentorship

Trusted relationships, encouragement, and guidance for the road ahead.

Summer camp

More opportunities to learn, connect, and explore during summer.

Youth employment

Job readiness, career exploration, and connections to employment opportunities.

Community outreach

Food distribution, community events, and practical support for families.

Also explore Portsmouth Safe Streets, sports and CPR training, and family support through all our programs.

Our Community Impact

Showing up.
Building possibility.

Our work brings youth, families, mentors, and neighbors together through learning, practical support, and shared experiences.

A community member at Big H.O.M.I.E.S. Balling on the River

Support for young people

Mentoring, tutoring, job readiness, and positive connections help young people take their next step.

Care for families

Food distribution and community outreach put practical support within reach.

Free Food Distribution

Every Monday | 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM

2605 Elliott Avenue, Portsmouth, VA 23702

All food assistance must be requested by phone, including both scheduled pickups and home deliveries.

Call Mondays at 9:00 AM to request food assistance

(757) 702-0122Call for Food Assistance

Home Delivery Available

Big H.O.M.I.E.S. primarily provides food assistance through home delivery to help families access essential groceries.

Important Information

  • All families must call on Monday beginning at 9:00 AM.
  • Pickup and delivery requests must be scheduled by phone.
  • No walk-ins or first-come, first-served distribution.
  • Food assistance is subject to availability.

Coming to Lincoln Street

A New Chapter
Is Almost Here!

Grand Opening Planned: January 2027

Construction Anticipated to Be Completed: November 2026

Big Homies Recreation Center
Portsmouth, VA

710 Lincoln Street
Portsmouth, VA 23704

Big Homies Inc. is preparing to open the doors to the Big Homies Recreation Center in January 2027. With construction expected to be completed in November 2026, this expanded facility will create new opportunities for youth mentorship, academic enrichment, STEM education, leadership development, and community engagement in Portsmouth, Virginia. The official opening is planned for January 2027. It is not yet open to the public.

Our commitment continues: safe spaces, educational opportunities, mentorship, and enrichment through youth programs in Portsmouth, Virginia.

Unlocking the Hero Within Every Child is at the heart of this next chapter: more room for Portsmouth youth to explore their potential through learning, mentorship, and enrichment.

Recreation Center Updates

Ways to Get Involved

There’s a place
for you here.

Find support for your family, share your time, or give young people more opportunities to thrive.

Find your program

Connect with our team about youth programs, eligibility, and how to register.

Register

Show up for youth

Bring your time and skills to mentoring, tutoring, coaching, or community events.

Volunteer

Invest in possibility

Support the programs and experiences that help Portsmouth youth move forward.

Your gift helps provide mentorship, after-school enrichment, STEM learning, food assistance, and youth employment opportunities.

Donate

Businesses. Foundations. Community Partners.

Become a Corporate Sponsor

Help Portsmouth youth learn, connect, and thrive. Support youth programs, community events, or construction and expansion of the Big Homies Recreation Center.

Discuss Sponsorship